The days are brighter, the sun is shining and there’s no better place to be than outside with your four-legged friend. Unfortunately, our animals aren’t the only ones making the most of warmer weather, so it is a good time to follow these top tips to keeping them happy and healthy throughout Spring.
- Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and Ticks are a nuisance and can pose a big threat to our animals – not only making them itch, scratch, cause an allergic reaction but they can also carry disease. Lyme Disease is the most common disease caused by a Tick and Tapeworms are spread from Fleas. It is likely your pet will encounter a flea or tick at some point in their adventurous life, and it is up to us to help prevent this happening.
- Visit The Vet for Flea and Tick Prevention Treatments
- Check your pet over thoroughly after long walks
- Use a flea comb regularly to help check through their coat
- Remove Ticks immediately, or visit The Vet for assistance if you are not confident
- Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water weekly
- Allergies
We know seasonal allergies can affect our own wellbeing and this is also true for our animals. Pollens in the air and grass seed are a common cause for an allergic reaction so it is important to keep an eye out for the following symptoms.
- Excessive scratching
- Hair loss
- Skin irritation / Red skin
- Watery, red eyes
- Excessive paw licking
- Ear infections – smell, dirt, headshaking, scratching
- Sneezing
Some animals could be more prone to allergies such as those with shorter noses such as Pugs and French bulldogs.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, we recommend booking a consultation at The Vet.
- Flystrike in rabbits
As the weather starts to get warmer, flies start to appear in their masses. Flies like to deposit their young in warm damp areas and so rabbits and their hutches are a prime spot to lay their eggs. These eggs rapidly hatch into maggots which then burrow into the rabbit’s skin, quickly causing damage that can be fatal. Here are some tips to keep those flies at bay.
- Remove soiled bedding every day
- Disinfect the hutch weekly
- Check your rabbit at least once a day, high-risk rabbits will need checking twice a day
- Create physical barriers such as adding fly-screens to hutches and runs
- Keep your rabbit clean and prevent the build-up of faeces and urine.
- Don’t forget that house rabbits can also be at risk!